Is Phoebe Philo Bowing Out at Céline?

Philo-philes the world over are freaking out over a report that Phoebe Philo, who’s rebuilt Céline from top to bottom into the juggernaut it is today, could be leaving after eight years with the brand. The Fashion Law has a report today that Philo will be departing after the fall 2016 collection shows in Paris this Fashion Week. According to the site’s sources, Philo is headed not for the much-discussed open spot at LVMH sibling brand Dior, but for the designer spot at Richemont-owned Azzedine Alaïa. We’ve reached out to a Céline spokesperson for comment and will update this when we hear back.

In August, “Page Six” suggested that the designer was looking for “a way out,” suggesting that work-life balance could be the culprit — while Philo’s family and her design headquarters are both in London, she was tiring of the frequent trips to Céline’s Paris HQ. (Though it’s unclear how a jump to Paris-based Alaïa would rectify that.) Whether or not this turns out to be true, it will surely inspire a run on her lace-trimmed slipdresses come spring.